Counting with Karina!


Click here to get A Child's Garden of Melodies on Amazon
Do you remember what it felt like to be little and wonder if you truly belonged? The Angry Little Cloud captures that feeling beautifully — and transforms it into a story of hope, friendship, and self-discovery that children (and parents!) will remember long after the last page.
This enchanting children’s book isn’t just about a cloud — it’s about learning to love who you are, understanding your unique gifts, and realizing that every person (or cloud!) has something special to share with the world.
The Angry Little Cloud doesn’t think anyone likes him. He’s sad, grumpy, and feels out of place. Everywhere he goes, it seems like others have it better — especially his bright and cheerful friend, the Sun.
But one day, the Sun decides to show his gloomy friend something amazing: the world isn’t as simple as it seems. There are places where the Angry Little Cloud’s rain brings life, joy, and beauty. He discovers that being different isn’t something to be sad about — it’s something to celebrate.
Through colorful storytelling and heartfelt lessons, The Angry Little Cloud helps children understand one of life’s most important truths:
π Everyone is important.
π Everyone has value.
π And everyone’s unique qualities make the world brighter, kinder, and more balanced.
Parents will love how this book opens the door to meaningful conversations about self-esteem, empathy, and acceptance. Kids will fall in love with the charming characters and gentle reminder that being different is what makes you wonderful.
Teaches Acceptance & Self-Worth — Encourages children to see the beauty in their own strengths.
Beautifully Illustrated & Easy to Understand — Perfect for bedtime stories or classroom reading.
Promotes Kindness & Gratitude — Helps kids appreciate others’ differences and their own.
Opens Meaningful Conversations — Ideal for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to guide children in building confidence and compassion.
As your child grows, they’ll come to understand deeper layers of The Angry Little Cloud — from simple lessons about friendship to complex ideas about purpose, belonging, and empathy.
It’s more than a story — it’s a tool to nurture emotional intelligence and self-love.
If you’re searching for a heartwarming story that teaches your child the power of self-acceptance, The Angry Little Cloud is the perfect choice.
Whether you’re reading it snuggled on the couch, in a classroom circle, or as a bedtime ritual, this delightful tale will leave you both smiling — and maybe looking at clouds a little differently.
Read it today on Kindle — bring this magical story wherever you go.
A wonderful gift for young readers ages 3–8 who love stories about kindness, emotions, and discovery.
π Get your copy of The Angry Little Cloud: A Children’s Book About Acceptance today and remind your little ones — they’re perfect just the way they are!
Click here to get Gramps and L.D. on Amazon

Once upon a time, work meant moving. Then chairs happened. Comfortable, rolling, deceptively friendly chairs that slowly turned many of us into highly productive statues. Enter the standing desk—the unsung hero of modern work life and a gentle reminder that your body was not designed to be folded like a lawn chair for eight hours straight.
Let’s talk about why standing desks are more than just a trendy office upgrade—and why your body and brain might secretly be begging for one.
Standing desks encourage natural movement, which is something sitting actively prevents.
Improved posture – Standing naturally engages your core and helps reduce that “keyboard goblin” hunch.
Less back and neck pain – Alternating between sitting and standing can reduce pressure on your spine.
Better circulation – Blood actually enjoys flowing instead of pooling like it’s stuck in rush-hour traffic.
Burns more calories – No, it’s not CrossFit, but standing burns more calories than sitting. Every little bit counts.
Think of a standing desk as low-effort wellness. You’re already working—now your body is just invited to participate.
Standing desks don’t just benefit your body—they wake up your brain.
Increased focus and alertness – Standing boosts blood flow to the brain, which helps you stay awake without a fifth cup of coffee.
Better mood – Less sluggishness often equals less irritability. (Your coworkers will thank you.)
Improved creativity – Many people report clearer thinking and better idea flow while standing.
Reduced afternoon crash – Standing helps fight that post-lunch fog where emails suddenly feel emotionally overwhelming.
Your brain likes oxygen. Standing helps deliver it—without needing a motivational speech.
One of the best parts? You can exercise while working and still look professional (or at least “professionally trying”).
Calf raises – Lift your heels while reading emails. Boom. Lower-leg workout.
Mini squats – Waiting for something to load? Drop a few squats. Your thighs won’t forget you.
Glute squeezes – Invisible, effective, and socially acceptable.
Core engagement – Lightly engage your abs while standing to support posture.
Marching in place – Great during phone calls. Nobody sees you anyway.
Stretch breaks – Neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, arm stretches—your body will love you.
You’re not “working out.” You’re just not stiffening into office furniture.
Long periods of sitting have been linked to:
Increased risk of heart disease
Weight gain
Poor metabolic health
Lower energy levels
Standing desks encourage micro-movement, which is far better than staying frozen in one position all day. The real magic happens when you alternate—sit when you need to, stand when you can.
It’s not about standing all day.
It’s about not sitting all day.
Standing desks also come with a few perks no one tells you about:
Fewer snack attacks – Standing makes mindless snacking slightly less convenient.
More confidence – Standing literally puts you in a stronger, more alert posture.
Better meetings – Standing meetings tend to be shorter and more focused.
Easier transitions – Standing makes it easier to take quick movement breaks instead of collapsing back into your chair.
And yes, it gives you a perfectly valid reason to say, “I’ll get back to that email—I’m currently standing for my health.”
If you’re new to standing desks:
Start with 15–30 minutes at a time
Wear supportive shoes or use an anti-fatigue mat
Keep your monitor at eye level
Shift weight, move often, don’t lock your knees
Listen to your body—this is not a punishment
Standing desks work best when they’re part of a flexible routine, not a rigid rule.
A standing desk isn’t about being extreme, trendy, or pretending you’re training for a marathon. It’s about giving your body options, your brain more energy, and your workday a little more life.
Because at the end of the day, your chair shouldn’t be the most active thing in your office.
Your body called.
It would like to stand up now.
Click here to see the Standing Desk I use as I do my Posts (Image Below)
Let’s be honest: most self-help books either make you feel guilty for not meditating more, or broke because you don’t have time for a $22 smoothie made of stardust and chia tears.
Enter: Upgrade You by Dr. Rob Alex — the book that doesn’t want to fix you… because you’re not broken. You’re just due for an upgrade, like your phone, your laptop, or your soul when Mercury is in Gatorade.
This isn’t your average “take a deep breath and envision your dream life while ignoring the dirty dishes and existential dread” kind of read. This is real-talk with cosmic flair, a healthy dose of sass, and the kind of motivation that feels like your best friend yelling lovingly at you from across the void.
Upgrade You is like downloading the latest patch for your life software — except instead of technical jargon, you get laughter, lightbulb moments, and permission to just be a work in progress with style.
Dr. Rob Alex doesn’t preach. He doesn’t shame you for skipping the gym or eating tacos instead of tofu. What he does do is help you:
See your habits as magic tricks in disguise
Flip your mindset like a pancake, but with less mess
Build real confidence (the kind that sticks, not the kind that melts under stress like cheap mascara)
The message is simple but powerful:
Stop “fixing” yourself. You’re not broken.
Start upgrading yourself. You’re becoming.
Let’s face it — you’ve probably tried every “morning routine that will change your life,” only to end up crying in your car at 9:12am wondering if lighting incense counts as self-care.
Good news: Upgrade You doesn’t demand perfection. It invites progress.
Whether you start with cleaning out your closet or cleaning out your inner critic, every small shift adds up to a massive energy reboot.
And we’re not just talking physical energy — we’re talking metaphysical swagger:
Saying “no” like a boundary-setting badass
Laughing at your flaws instead of hiding them
Turning everyday rituals (coffee, brushing your teeth, avoiding your email) into intentional upgrades
It’s part self-help, part soul surgery — and somehow still hilarious.
This book manages to tap into deep metaphysical truths — energy, intention, personal power — without sounding like a seminar hosted by someone named Skylar Moonbeam.
It’s practical mysticism.
Grounded spiritual growth.
Alignment with WiFi.
(Okay, maybe not that last one, but who knows?)
Rob Alex teaches you how to:
Connect with your energy source (without needing to sit on a mountain or buy a crystal the size of your head)
Tune your frequency so you attract better stuff (and people who don't ghost you)
Actually enjoy the process of personal growth instead of just white-knuckling it
Upgrade You doesn’t take itself too seriously — but don’t let the humor fool you. The insights hit deep. The exercises work. And the overall vibe is something like:
“You’ve got infinite potential. Now let’s unlock it without losing your mind — or your joy.”
It’s the kind of book you’ll read with a highlighter in one hand and a margarita in the other (because balance, baby). It’s also the kind of book you’ll want to gift to that friend who keeps reading sad memes and calling it therapy.
If your life feels like a glitchy app that crashes when things get too real — Upgrade You is your reboot.
So go ahead:
Hit refresh on your mindset
Delete your inner critic's bad Yelp review
And download some divine updates to your confidence, clarity, and cosmic swagger
Because your next level isn’t somewhere far away.
It’s one simple, soulful, slightly hilarious step away.
Get your hands (and heart) on Upgrade You: Simple Changes, Powerful Energy, Infinite Potential today.
The upgrade is optional — but staying stuck? That’s so last season.


About the Author: Ronald Robinson is an award-winning educator and writer recognized by both the National Education Association as well as the Virginia Education Association as a Hilda Maehling Fellowship and VEA Mini-Grant Recipient.

Let’s be honest: most self-help books either make you feel guilty for not meditating more, or broke because you don’t have time for a $22 smoothie made of stardust and chia tears.
Enter: Upgrade You by Dr. Rob Alex — the book that doesn’t want to fix you… because you’re not broken. You’re just due for an upgrade, like your phone, your laptop, or your soul when Mercury is in Gatorade.
This isn’t your average “take a deep breath and envision your dream life while ignoring the dirty dishes and existential dread” kind of read. This is real-talk with cosmic flair, a healthy dose of sass, and the kind of motivation that feels like your best friend yelling lovingly at you from across the void.
Upgrade You is like downloading the latest patch for your life software — except instead of technical jargon, you get laughter, lightbulb moments, and permission to just be a work in progress with style.
Dr. Rob Alex doesn’t preach. He doesn’t shame you for skipping the gym or eating tacos instead of tofu. What he does do is help you:
See your habits as magic tricks in disguise
Flip your mindset like a pancake, but with less mess
Build real confidence (the kind that sticks, not the kind that melts under stress like cheap mascara)
The message is simple but powerful:
Stop “fixing” yourself. You’re not broken.
Start upgrading yourself. You’re becoming.
Let’s face it — you’ve probably tried every “morning routine that will change your life,” only to end up crying in your car at 9:12am wondering if lighting incense counts as self-care.
Good news: Upgrade You doesn’t demand perfection. It invites progress.
Whether you start with cleaning out your closet or cleaning out your inner critic, every small shift adds up to a massive energy reboot.
And we’re not just talking physical energy — we’re talking metaphysical swagger:
Saying “no” like a boundary-setting badass
Laughing at your flaws instead of hiding them
Turning everyday rituals (coffee, brushing your teeth, avoiding your email) into intentional upgrades
It’s part self-help, part soul surgery — and somehow still hilarious.
This book manages to tap into deep metaphysical truths — energy, intention, personal power — without sounding like a seminar hosted by someone named Skylar Moonbeam.
It’s practical mysticism.
Grounded spiritual growth.
Alignment with WiFi.
(Okay, maybe not that last one, but who knows?)
Rob Alex teaches you how to:
Connect with your energy source (without needing to sit on a mountain or buy a crystal the size of your head)
Tune your frequency so you attract better stuff (and people who don't ghost you)
Actually enjoy the process of personal growth instead of just white-knuckling it
Upgrade You doesn’t take itself too seriously — but don’t let the humor fool you. The insights hit deep. The exercises work. And the overall vibe is something like:
“You’ve got infinite potential. Now let’s unlock it without losing your mind — or your joy.”
It’s the kind of book you’ll read with a highlighter in one hand and a margarita in the other (because balance, baby). It’s also the kind of book you’ll want to gift to that friend who keeps reading sad memes and calling it therapy.
If your life feels like a glitchy app that crashes when things get too real — Upgrade You is your reboot.
So go ahead:
Hit refresh on your mindset
Delete your inner critic's bad Yelp review
And download some divine updates to your confidence, clarity, and cosmic swagger
Because your next level isn’t somewhere far away.
It’s one simple, soulful, slightly hilarious step away.
Get your hands (and heart) on Upgrade You: Simple Changes, Powerful Energy, Infinite Potential today.
The upgrade is optional — but staying stuck? That’s so last season.
The life of storks is full of challenges, migrations, and discoveries.
In this first installment of the Celi and Or series, you’ll discover the tender story of how these two traveling storks met for the first time, after happily returning home from a long migratory journey across other continents.
Amid graceful flights and a unique aerial dance—so typical of storks—Celi and Or fall in love and, with affection and teamwork, begin building their first nest. Day by day, they fill it with twigs, feathers, and care, dreaming of the arrival of their first family.
The story culminates in a magical moment: the first eggs resting safely in the nest, and hope beating in both their hearts as they await the hatching of their chicks.
With sweet language and plenty of fun facts about the real life of storks, this illustrated story is perfect for children aged 3 to 7, to be read together as a family or in the classroom.
In the upcoming books of the collection, you’ll discover how Celi and Or care for their chicks and, later on, how they embark together on the great adventure of migration to warmer lands when autumn arrives.
Click here to get Celi and Or: A nest full of love on Amazon
Galaxy Gatsby! & Counting with Karina! Galaxy Gatsby! Gatsby is a six year-old astronaut. Join Gatsby as he journeys through space in...